WittKieffer is proud to partner with Tenet Healthcare to identify a strategic and mission-driven Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for Hi-Desert Medical Center in Joshua Tree, California. A clinical background, particularly in nursing, is highly preferred, as it will support the CAO’s ability to lead with credibility and insight across operations and nursing delivery settings.
Hi-Desert Medical Center is a key healthcare provider in the Morongo Basin and operates under a public-private partnership between Tenet Healthcare and the Morongo Basin Healthcare District, which retains ownership of the hospital property. This unique structure underscores the importance of strong collaboration with district leadership and community stakeholders.
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the CAO will lead the operational and strategic direction of Hi-Desert Medical Center, which includes a 59-bed primary care hospital and a 120-bed skilled nursing and subacute facility. The CAO will ensure the delivery of high-quality, cost-effective care to a diverse population, foster a culture of collaboration and excellence among more than 130 physicians and 350 employees, and drive performance across clinical, financial, and operational domains.
A key responsibility of the CAO is to cultivate strong relationships with physicians, employees, and community stakeholders, including the CEO and board members of the Morongo Basin Healthcare District. Building and strengthening these relationships will be essential to the continued success of Hi-Desert Medical Center.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate understanding and effectiveness in working within unionized environments. Experience in post-acute care and for-profit healthcare settings is highly desirable. The CAO will be expected to improve quality outcomes, increase patient volumes, and reduce transfers out of the facility.
This role offers a unique opportunity for advancement, as the selected candidate will have the potential to assume the CEO position upon successful performance in key areas. The CAO will be a bold and visionary leader, capable of navigating complex challenges and driving innovation in a competitive healthcare environment. They will also play a critical role in talent development, physician recruitment, and community engagement, ensuring Hi-Desert Medical Center remains a provider of choice.
Candidates must bring a minimum of ten years of progressive leadership experience in healthcare or facility management, with a proven track record of operational excellence and strategic execution. A bachelor’s degree in Nursing, Business, Healthcare Administration, or a related field is required; a master’s degree is strongly preferred.
This is a unique opportunity to lead a respected healthcare institution within Tenet’s expansive network, contributing to its mission of delivering compassionate, quality care. The CAO will be instrumental in shaping the future of healthcare delivery in Joshua Tree and the surrounding Morongo Basin.
Expressions of interest and applications are welcome and can be made via the WittKieffer website using the buttons below or by sending resumes, nominations, and inquiries to Nelson Mann, FACHE or Stacy Lind, preferably via email at [email protected].